There’s nothing quite like the comfort of baking a classic Southern recipe. Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a rich, moist, and perfectly sweet treat that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. With its tender crumb and nutty flavor, this dessert (or snack!) will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Picture slicing into a warm loaf, the aroma of vanilla and pecans filling your kitchen, and enjoying a bite of pure comfort. Whether you’re sharing it with family, bringing it to a potluck, or treating yourself on a quiet afternoon, this pecan bread is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
This recipe is a gem for so many reasons:
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- Simple to Make: No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Packed with Flavor: The pecans and vanilla create a rich, irresistible taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfast, dessert, or even as a gift.
- A Southern Classic: It embodies the warm, sweet flavors of Southern baking.
Ingredients for Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Here’s everything you need to make this delightful recipe.
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Light brown sugar (packed) | 1 cup |
| Eggs (large) | 4 |
| Vegetable oil | 1 cup |
| Self-rising flour | 2 cups |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Chopped pecans | 1 cup |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
1. Preheat Your Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray, ensuring even coverage.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Granulated sugar
- Light brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil
- Stir or mix with an electric mixer until smooth and fully combined.
3. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the self-rising flour to the wet mixture.
- Stir gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
4. Add Flavor and Texture
- Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Bake the Pecan Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
1. Use Fresh Pecans
Fresh pecans add a rich, buttery flavor and ensure the best texture in every bite.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing can make the bread dense. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
3. Customize the Recipe
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note.
- Fold in chocolate chips or dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
4. Test for Doneness
Check the bread with a toothpick or cake tester—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Creative Variations of Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
1. Glazed Pecan Bread
Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla over the cooled bread for a touch of sweetness.
2. Chocolate Pecan Bread
Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist.
3. Maple-Infused Pecan Bread
Replace half of the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a rich, earthy flavor.
4. Coconut Pecan Bread
Mix in ½ cup of shredded coconut for a tropical spin.
5. Spiced Pecan Bread
Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes! For every cup of self-rising flour, use 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
2. How do I store Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
3. Can I freeze this bread?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
4. Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts can be used instead of pecans.
5. How can I make this bread healthier?
Substitute half the oil with unsweetened applesauce, and reduce the sugar slightly if desired.
6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend with added leavening agents to replace the self-rising flour.
A Final Bite: Why You Should Try Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is more than just a dessert—it’s a slice of Southern comfort that brings people together. With its simple preparation, rich flavor, and endless customizations, this bread is perfect for every occasion, from family gatherings to quiet afternoons.
Ready to Bake?
Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to the warm, nutty goodness of this classic recipe. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread: A Southern Delight
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is a moist, rich, and perfectly sweet Southern classic. Packed with buttery pecans and a tender crumb, this recipe is a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as a dessert, snack, or breakfast, this easy-to-make bread will fill your home with the comforting aroma of Southern baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray, ensuring even coverage.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil.
- Stir or use an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the self-rising flour to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined.
- Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Add Flavor and Texture
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Pecan Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Slice and serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Notes
- Fresh Pecans Matter: Use fresh, high-quality pecans for the best flavor and texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the bread light and tender.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick or cake tester to ensure the bread is fully baked before removing it from the oven.